Updates

10/31/2024

10/25/2024

10/21/2024

We've added back UP9696 (CNW Paint) for its journey to Texas, where it will undergo a rebuild and repaint.

This unit has been inactive from the heritage units reporting since it was stored in 2018.

10/15/2024

10/13/2024

KCSM4139 - Breast Care Awareness
KCSM4727 - Breast Care Awareness
KCSM4662 - Breast Care Awareness

10/8/2024

We've unlocked KCS FP9s for reporting as they're currently on the move.

10/7/2024

A new field, "Turn Job," has been added to the train symbol database.

Currently, this field is only visible on the website, but it will be available in the mobile app within a few days. 

Note that if any existing train symbol contained the word "Turn" within the notes; that we automatically defaulted the Turn Job flag to 'on'.    

Brian =)

10/6/2024

Add the Great Lakes Central Railroad which includes the following

Locomotives

• Added GLC329 - Tribute to Louis P. Ferris Jr (SD40M-2)
• Added GLC393 - 10th Anniversary (GP35)
• Added GLC394 - City of Clare (GP35)
  

Train Symbols

• Setup known train symbols

Subdivisions

• Added subdivisions / milepost
• Setup routing logic for the GLC

EWLX329 - Montana Rail Link (SD45-3)
EWLX815 - Wisconsin Central (GP30)
EWLX7311 - Chessie System (SD18)

WAMX3536 - Texas Tech University (GP35)
WAMX3834 - Pittsburg State University (GP38-3)
WAMX4001 - Wichita State University (GP40-2LW)
WAMX4158 - Cherryvale Chargers (SD40-2)
WAMX4207 - Texas Tech University (SD40M-2)

10/4/2024

10/3/2024

10/2/2024

9/29/2024

With reports emerging about the damage to several bridges on the CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision and the subsequent rerouting of CSX trains, I've updated the routing configuration to bypass the affected subdivision until further notice.

Within the next few hours, all CSX symbols in the system will automatically adjust their routes accordingly.

Brian =)

9/26/2024

9/23/2024

Added - UPY309 & UPY409 - UP Hybrid mother-slug set.

9/20/2024

9/19/2024

9/17/2024

Added - CSXT1851 - NC&StL (LinkedIn Post)

9/16/2024

Removed - IC 2462 - Blue Devil - At SLM in Welland, ON waiting to be scrapped (thanks Jay K. for the info)

9/15/2024

9/14/2024

9/11/2024

9/10/2024

9/5/2024

8/30/2024

8/29/2024

At 11:30a EST our primary internet provider has reported that they're down.  I've failed over to our backup provider at 11:40a but it could take up to an hour for your device to recognize this change.  

Brian =)

8/26/2024

8/20/2024

Removed - BNSF 9705 - Executive/Grinstein Paint (Sold to Progressive Rail)

8/16/2024

8/15/2024

Added - PW4069 - Honoring Veterans & Service Members

8/12/2024

8/11/2024

8/6/2024

8/5/2024

8/4/2024

Added - WEBX2058 - New Haven

7/28/2024

MBTX1129 - MBTA Heritage Maroon paint

7/27/2024

(Mobile Devices) - Click here to read the entire update

Since I developed the routing engine over a year ago, I've been documenting instances where routes are incorrectly assigned and require manual adjustments.

Recently, I've devoted significant time to adding conditional routing logic to handle various scenarios, such as directional travel, specific train types, and unrealistic junction turns. Here are a few examples:

Cincinnati, OH:

NS and CSX share tracks where trains traveling north of Cincinnati use CSX lines, while trains heading south into Cincinnati use NS lines. This is generally the case, though exceptions do occur (I'll be adding alternative routing in the future).

Butler, IN:

Prevent eastbound trains on the NS Chicago Line from going westbound on the NS Huntington District to Fort Wayne due to the lack of a connection.

BNSF Washington:

Empty eastbound grain trains are usually routed through Tacoma, WA, whereas loaded grain trains are routed through Vancouver, WA.

These examples represent the initial phase of implementing new conditional routing rules. If you notice any scenarios where routing is incorrect, please let me know so I can make the necessary corrections. It’s most helpful if you can submit an edit through the train symbol and specify in the notes to moderator the correct route.

I also want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has previously assisted with routing discrepancies. Your feedback has been invaluable, and I truly appreciate it.

One common misconception I hear is that Google maps is calculating the routes... not true.  The system is entirely custom-built specifically for railroads... been many years of work mapping railroads (USA/Canada) and creating the routing engine. =)

Brian

HeritageUnits.com

7/26/2024

There was a system issue that was preventing new accounts from registering. This has been resolved as of 7:30PM EST. 

Brian =)

7/23/2024

Added - CSXT1877 - C&EI (Chicago & Eastern Illinois)

7/19/2024

7/17/2024

Removed - SOO 4412 - SOO Paint - Repainted into the new CPKC scheme

7/13/2024

Removed - AMTK168 - 25th Anniversary (Heartland Flyer) decal was removed

7/12/2024

7/9/2024

Hi Everyone,

If you're running an older version than 4.12; please upgrade to the latest version within the app stores (visit Google Play or Apple Store).  

Note that 90%+ of you are already running this version for several weeks so this message is for the 10%.   You can check your version by going to the home screen and scrolling to the very bottom.

Starting later this week I'll start disabling the server to responding to the "legacy" pull notifications and will require 4.12 to submit new reports.    Not only does this assist me with supporting the current version; it also allows me to reduce the load on the server and look to expand the routing engine to do additional railroads.

Brian =)

HeritageUnits.com 

6/28/2024

6/25/2024

6/23/2024

6/22/2024

6/21/2024

Added - BAYL4059 - Honoring Veterans & Service Members

6/19/2024

6/17/2024

Added new Chattanooga, TN  (CSX W&A Sub - MP 122.8) camera link by Rail Moments

6/16/2024

I've added Berkshire Eastern Railroad (in-place of the Pan Am Railways).   All train symbols have been migrated over to Berkshire Eastern Railroad with a prefix of BERX.  Many thanks to [Trainluvr 1956] for bring this to my attention.

Brian =)

6/10/2024

6/9/2024

6/8/2024

6/6/2024

6/5/2024

6/4/2024

Added - SPAX280 - Reading Lines

Added - SPAX304 - Conrail

Added - SPAX401 - Penn Central

6/2/2024

Version 4.8 should be available to download within the app stores within the next 48 hrs.

Items Fixed

• (iOS/Android) Fixed report time display issue
• (iOS) - When attempting to change the time during a report submission the app would crash
  

Brian =)
HeritageUnits.com

6/1/2024

New iOS app is finally released (4.7).   This release now aligns with the Android (v4.*) that was released  about 6 weeks ago and has numerous enhancements to make reporting much easier.  

Also note that push notifications are now enabled in version 4.6.  Make sure to configure your notification settings (More > Settings > Notifications). 

Brian =)
HeritageUnits.com

5/27/2024

*** Completed ***

On Tuesday (5/28/24) we'll be performing system maintenance between 4-7AM. 

This is because our system has reached a new milestone where our databases have grown so much that we're in desperate need of an upgrade.   I don't foresee this maintenance window taking 3 hrs. (hopefully only 15 minutes) but I wanted to block off enough time just in case.

During this time it will be a total outage (server, apps, notifications, etc...).  If you're able to pull up https://heritageunits.com then you'll know we're back online. 

Note that I'll also update this article once completed.

Brian =)
HeritageUnits.com

5/26/2024

Today between 11:30AM-3:35PM (EST), there was a system issue that was preventing web cam reporting.  This has been resolved and reporting is now available again.    

Note that I'll be reviewing the submission logs that ran into this issue and will resubmit your report to the server if you had an issue during this time. 

Brian =)

5/22/2024

5/21/2024

5/18/2024

Android Devices

Near by Reports Push notifications are now operational on Android (v4.5+) which should be available within the Google Play Store as of yesterday.   Please make sure to check your notification settings within the app (see below).

You can enable notifications by opening the HU app > "More" > "Settings" > "Notifications" > "Near By Reports".

Additionally, make sure you've given permission within Android Operating System to allow the Heritage Units app to display notifications.  You can always check this by going to the Android Settings > Apps > Heritage Units > Notifications.

iOS Devices

I'm getting very close to releasing the iOS app.  I'm currently building the push notifications for iOS and once that's completed and working I'll be releasing it. 

Brian =)
HeritageUnits.com

5/16/2024

Added - NS3970, 3972, 3976, 3997, and 3998 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

5/13/2024

Added - CP9375 - 1st CPKC Livery

Please note this will be the only unit we'll be tracking in the new CPKC paint since it was first one to be painted.

5/12/2024

Hi everyone, 

I'm working on bringing true push notifications to the app (current version can only checks every 15 minutes on Android and randomly on iOS).  

The Android version with push notifications is currently in testing and hope to release it with a week or so.

iOS users, the 4.x version is still in the works and very close to being ready to test. 

Brian :)

Heritageunits.com 

5/10/2024

5/1/2024

4/30/2024

4/28/2024

Added - NS3994, NS3995, NS996 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

4/27/2024

New Web Cam - Seymour, IN by Seymour Trains

New Web Cam - Missoula, MT (By Cornell Lab Bird Cams)

•  BNSF - MRL Third Subdivision is in the background behind Osprey's bird nest. 
•  Trains going left to right are eastbound. 

4/22/2024

New Web Cam - Boone, IA by Trains on Demand

Added - NS3967 / NS3966 - Patched - Former CEFX Blue/White

4/20/2024

4/19/2024

4/18/2024

4/17/2024

4/12/2024

4/10/2024

New Web Cam - Dunkirk, NY by Wide World of Trains

New Web Cam - Keokuk, IA by StreamTime Live

4/9/2024

4/8/2024

4/6/2024

Hi Everyone,

I'm very close to releasing the new Heritage Units app and I'm looking for folks that might be interested in testing the new version.  This is only for the Android (iOS version is ready and will follow within 2-3 weeks).  

What's in the new app 

100% New Report Submission (hopefully faster & easier than the current)

• Locomotive Image now display when selecting
  
• Locomotive list will default to units around your location or webcam
• Selecting a web cam there is a "Recent" view based on your previous reporting (make it fast to find your fav camera
• Map view is available when selecting the sub division

Map Customizations

• Set default zoom
• Map type (terrain, street, satellite, etc.) 
• Map themes (normal, blue, dark)

Dark Mode (highly requested) 

Web Cams (Individual camera links per camera)

If you're interested in becoming a tester please contact me at the support link on the website (https://www.heritageunits.com/main/contact).  

Brian =)
HeritageUnits.com

4/4/2024

Removed - CSXT7560 - NCSTL Emblem - Rebuilt and repainted (no longer has emblem)

3/20/2024

3/15/2024

Added - NJT4508 - Black History Wrap

3/14/2024

Removed - AMTK174 - Phase VII.  Mentioned earlier when adding this unit.  We would tracked until Amtrak started painting additional units in Phase VII.   Amtrak 82 has been recently repainted and thus we're taking the unit down. 

3/8/2024

2/29/2024

2/12/2024

2/10/2024

2/8/2024

Added Montana Rail Link SD70ACe units (MRL4300-4319 / MRL4400-4408) as some of the units are starting to venture out onto the BNSF system.  We'll add additional units in the future.

2/7/2024

2/6/2024

2/5/2024

1/30/2024

Added - AMTK174 - Phase VII.  

Please note that this is first P42 in Phase VII and we'll temporarily track this unit until the additional units get repainted into Phase VII. 

1/27/2024

Removed - CSXT7574 - Thomas Rice Special - Rebuilt and Repainted

1/25/2024

Renumbered AMTK406 to AMTK90406

1/22/2024

1/20/2024

1/18/2024

1/15/2024

Removed - IC 2463 & 2459 - Blue Devil (Scrapped)

1/6/2024

New Web Cam - Blue Island, IL by LiveTrains.com

Fixed a bug where the Train Symbols web page was appearing to fail to load.  

1/3/2024

New Web Cam - Newport, MN by Northern Transcon Railcams-Otter Tail Channel

12/31/2023

With the BNSF taking over the Montana Rail Link (MRL) effective Jan. 1st, 2024.  We're starting to move things around within the Heritage Units system to align.   Below are some quick bullet points.

• All MRL subdivisions are now under BNSF.
• We've updated the routing configuration for BNSF to utilize the MRL subdivisions.  If you see a train route that appears incorrect;  please submit a train update and let us know. 
• Currently there are only two tracked MRL locomotives (MRL4404 & MRL4407) within the HU system.  These locomotives will still maintain the locomotive prefix of "MRL" until BNSF officially re-prefixes them to "BNSF" and any possible renumbering.

Happy New Years!
Heritage Units Team

12/27/2023

New Web Cam - Clear Creek, CA by M. Leland-Nascimento

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas from the HeritageUnits Team! 

12/24/2023

New Web Cam - Okarche, OK by okweatherwatch.com

New Web Cam - Galveston, TX by M. Reeves

12/23/2023

12/17/2023

Added - NS5231 - NS High Hood

12/14/2023

Removed - PRLX6003 - Blue/White Striped - Waiting to be rebuilt

12/11/2023

New Web Cam - New London, CT by Railside Live

12/10/2023

New Web Cam - Ludlow, KY by RailStream.net

12/7/2023

Removed - WE7009 - Operation Lifesaver (sticker removed)

12/4/2023

New Web Cam - Cowan, TN by Cowan, TN Railroad Museum

12/2/2023

The following regional railroads have been updated in the system.  This includes the mapping of the subdivisions, enabling of routing on train symbols and inbound ETA predictions. 

• Florida East Coast
• Kyle Railroad
• Iowa Interstate 
• Indiana Railroad

I'll continue to expand the routing engine to additional regional railroads in the upcoming weeks.

Brian =)

Added - CSXT6509 - Georgia Road Emblem - Spotted in Hamilton, OH by Chuck C. 

11/30/2023

To our Iowa Interstate Railfans.  We've recently mapped out the sub divisions and have configured routing for the railroad.  If you have inbound train feature enabled; the server will now start calculating the route and ETAs (train symbol required).

11/28/2023

Added - CSXT6394 - RF&P Nose

Because of the numerous requests we've received within a brief period, we have decided to track this unit based on the request from the HU community. It's important to mention that this unit was recently subjected to vandalism and to our knowledge is not recognized as an official CSX Heritage Unit. We strongly disapprove of any actions taken by individuals to vandalize locomotives.

New Web Cam - Avondale, LA by WebcamGreece

11/27/2023

11/23/2023

To all the railroad community, railfans, friends, and family, we send heartfelt wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!

11/21/2023

11/18/2023

Recent security change was implemented on the server that was blocking the captcha (aka... not a robot prompt) to load on the website.  This prevented folks from logging into the website and this has now been resolved.   Note this issue did not affect the mobile app.

Brian =)
HeritageUnits.com Found/Developer

11/17/2023

11/15/2023

11/13/2023

11/12/2023

11/11/2023

We've changed all the BNSF train symbols within the system to now include the dash delimiter between the train type indicator and the org/dst train station codes.  

This will make it easier to quickly recognize the train symbols.  

Note that when submitting new reports 

If you don't include the dash delimiter; the server will automatically format the symbol into the correct format (assuming the symbols is within the system). 

11/8/2023

Added - MNNR45 - B23-7 - This will be temporary addition to the site while the unit is on it's way back to Minnesota.  Currently on CSX M367

11/3/2023